Since it’s the end of the year, you’re probably seeing a lot of articles and reminders on setting goals for the New Year. People will be exhorting you to get out there and PLAN things – don’t waste a minute you can’t succeed without a GOAL!

In years past, I have beaten that drum, too. When I look back on my “resolutions” from previous years, I’m struck by how repetitive they are: lose weight; get out of debt; save more money; exercise more; be nicer to people; have a successful (i.e., wealth-making) coaching practice.

Surely, these are all praiseworthy resolutions and goals. So, why do I keep repeating some of the same ones over and over? Why haven’t I achieved them, and then gone on to even greater achievements? I’ve certainly worked hard enough at them. If hard work was the criterion for success, I would have been there long ago.

What if there’s something else? What if… maybe… there’s a way to be happy without all the struggle, angst and resentment?

Well, this year is going to be radically different for me, and I want you to join me.

For 2008, my sole resolution is to be happy. I’m learning how to live a life free of struggle, negativity and chaos, and how to embrace a life of joy, calm and ease—an extraordinary life.

Not possible, you say?

It really is. And I’m doing it.

You can create your own reality. Once you do, the universe will reflect it back to you and you’re on your way to freedom and joy. Which, really, is what we were put here on earth for.

For starters, imagine your life as a river. You put your boat in the river wherever you are right at this moment. Now, you can choose to paddle upstream, against the current, fighting to get somewhere you think you need to be. You may get to your goal (if you even truly know what your goal is), but will reaching your goal make you happy? Or are you putting off living your life until you reach “X” – whatever “X” is for you?

Instead of struggling towards a self-imposed goal, suppose you deliberately choose to relax a little, while the river turns your boat and carries you downstream towards what you really want. It truly can be that easy.

I’ve learned one simple truth: nothing I want is upstream. Everything I can imagine or desire on my life’s journey is ahead of me – and what a ride on the river it will be!

Come join me!

I know, I know…it’s been a while.

I’ve been neglecting you, and I’m sorry.

But I’ve been busy…and I can’t wait to share everything that’s been going on!

Most recently, I went to Saratoga Springs, NY for the start of the Very Cool Life Network program. What an incredible weekend! The other participants and I really connected and did some amazing work around the Core Dynamics of Common Problems, using cutting edge Wavemaker and Matrix Energetics technologies. The Core Dynamics is a powerful structure for understanding how our patterns of behavior, habit and conditioning prevent us from experiencing a life of freedom, joy and ease. I’ll be doing more work with the Core Dynamics, Wavemaker and other new things in the coming year, so keep an eye out for updates.

I also did a great tele-class called “Turning Problem Employees Into Assets” for Thompson Publishing Group in Washington DC. You can buy the CD here. And if you’d like me to do a live seminar or teleclass for your office or company, email me to discuss the specifics and we’ll get started.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more notes to help you get out of your own way and start living an extraordinary life!